New Avengers (Vol. 2) #10 (Story 1)

Background

Last issue took place over two time periods. One was in the present where The New Avengers were taking down a H.A.M.M.E.R. base when Mockingbird was shot. The other was back in 1959 where Nick Fury, who was hunting down war criminals, was asked to put together an “Avenger Initiative“.

Story Details

Nick Fury and Dum Dum Dugan are recruiting for the Avenger Initiative. First on their recruitment list is Victor Creed A.K.A. Sabretooth. Back in the present, while The New Avengers are fighting H.A.M.M.E.R. Ms. Marvel goes after the H.A.M.M.E.R. leader Superia and finds herself overpowered. Back in 1959, Dominic Fortune, after narrowly avoiding being assassinated is also drafted by Nick Fury. Back again in the present Spidey tells everyone Mockingbird is down and asks Dr. Strange to help her while he calls for an ambulance. Again in 1959, Fury tries to recruit Namora and Kraven The Hunter. During the conversation Kraven shoots Victor Creed and it’s noted they have some history. Fury tells them both to stop and he needs them for a special mission.

In the present Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones are still stealing the H.A.M.M.E.R. tech when Cage is attacked by a female agent. Cage disarms her and asks what they were planning. Iron Fist notices several ambulances heading to where the rest of the team were fighting. In 1959 Ulysses Bloodstone and the original Silver Sable are meeting when Nick Fury asks them to join his team. Silver Sable asks about the mission. Fury tells him The Red Skull is still alive and is working on something big. Present day and paramedics are trying to help Mockingbird, during this Superia attacks the team using all her power.

General Comments

So we now know who the “Original Avengers” are and while I am impressed with the roster I’m still not sure about them using The Avengers name. That point aside I’m not sure what one story has to do with the other but I’m sure Mr. Bendis has this all planned out.

As for the art I love love Deodato's versions of The Thing and Spidey but Chaykin's art just looks rushed and sloppy. I've seen some of this other work and while his style is not for me the art in this story is below his usual standard.

Overall Rating

Again 3 webs. Two different teams, two different eras and two different artists. I do like the concept but the constant switching between the two without knowing the plot reasons is frustrating. I'm sure this will all make sense when the story finishes but as a monthly book it doesn't read as well as it should.